WWF Wrestling Challenge – March 4th, 1990

In action this week are Ted DiBiase, Dusty Rhodes, and Rhythm & Blues. Plus, an interview with Brutus Beefcake and more.

Rhythm & Blues vs. Louie Spicolli & Ricki Ataki

Valentine debuts his dyed black hair and comes out with a guitar as he clearly does not feel comfortable with this gimmick. We hear from Jimmy Hart in an insert promo as he promises to deliver big news next week. Rhythm & Blues work over Spicolli to start as Gorilla tells us about their being more belts defended on this WrestleMania than any other in history. Ataki is in now and works a headlock that Valentine breaks with a shinbreaker then Rhythm & Blues get the win with a double back suplex (2:49).

Thoughts: They are going all out with Valentine dying his hair. According to Valentine, the idea to dye his hair black was Jesse Ventura’s and he finally went along with it after six months of convincing. Anyway, they are getting a push as a heel team, which are lacking on the roster.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. This is the same from “Superstars of Wrestling” focusing on the Dino Bravo vs. Ultimate Warrior match on “The Main Event” and the promos from Hogan and Warrior.

Dusty Rhodes w/ Sapphire vs. Conquistador #2

Conquistador #2 tries a sneak attack but Dusty quickly gains control. We then hear from Dusty & Sapphire in an insert promo as they call out Randy Savage & Queen Sherri before Dusty hits the bionic elbow drop for the win (1:50).

Thoughts: They are hyping up the WrestleMania mixed tag match a lot as it appears Dusty vs. Savage will continue after WrestleMania.

Bad News Brown vs. Frankie Valdez

Bad News takes Valdez outside and hits a slam. We hear from Bad News in an insert promo as he tells us they will take away is Harlem citizenship if he loses to a “sissy in a skirt” as he is referencing Roddy Piper. Bad News continues to rough up Valdez until putting him away with the Ghetto Blaster (1:42). After the match, Bad News tosses Valdez outside.

Thoughts: I thought Bad News’ insert promo was amusing but that’s the only enjoyable part of his act.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Brutus Beefcake to the interview platform. Beefcake says he is ready to give Mr. Perfect a haircut he will never forget. He then puts over his WrestleMania experience before saying he has a plan to combat The Genius and his outside interference and will have them both sitting together as he cuts their hair.

“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil vs. Steve Gatorwolf

DiBiase debuts his theme music here. He takes control early while the announcers talk about his feud against Jake Roberts. We then hear from DiBiase in an insert promo as he tells Jake the Million Dollar Belt will be around his waist before WrestleMania VI. DiBiase clotheslines Gatorwolf and follows with a slam before dropping an elbow from the middle turnbuckle. DiBiase then locks on the Million Dollar Dream for the win (2:47). After the match, DiBiase shoves a $100 bill down Gatorwolf’s throat.

Thoughts: The big news here was DiBiase’s entrance music as it became one of the more recognizable in wrestling history. Anyway, he beat a human piece of garbage in Gatorwolf. The Jake vs. DiBiase feud is being pushed stronger than most but its running out of steam and has been going on for an awful long time.

WrestleMania VI Report with Gene Okerlund.

Akeem w/ Slick vs. Terry Zeller

Akeem beats on Zeller as the announcers talk about his feud with the Big Bossman. He then hits an avalanche before the splash finishes of Zeller (2:00).

Thoughts: An easy win for Akeem as they are pushing his feud against the Big Bossman.

Next week in action are Earthquake, Rick Rude, Jake Roberts, Mr. Perfect, and the Ultimate Warrior. Plus, an interview with Roddy Piper and more!

Final Thoughts: Besides DiBiase debuting his theme music and Valentine’s dyed black hair, everything else of note was already shown on “Superstars of Wrestling.” They hyped some of the WrestleMania midcard matches too but it was nothing you really needed to see.